Regulators and ship operators are working together to implement stricter standards to reduce invasions that can cost millions of dollars.

Many ocean-going ships have implemented management practices for ballast water, which can transport species from another region to the Great Lakes. New regulations curb ballast water flushing by requiring ships to exchange water far offshore. Additionally, new technologies are being implemented to kill potential invasives in ballast water.

Image: Great Lakes ship (Credit: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes National Program